Escudero sworn in as Senate president

Source: The Manila times
Author: Bernadette E. Tamayo

MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Francis Escudero was sworn in as Senate president on Monday, replacing Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri who said his failure to follow instructions led to his ouster.

Zubiri's ouster triggered a major reorganization as his "team" also resigned from their respective posts.

Zubiri, who led the Senate since July 2022, confirmed the coup d'etat against him in a chance interview minutes before the start of the Senate session. "I did my best," he told reporters.

"I have never dictated my position to any of you, and I always supported your independence -- which is probably why I face my demise today. I failed to follow instructions from the powers that be," Zubiri said in his valedictory speech.

"I have listened to all my colleagues throughout my Senate presidency, and again I listen to them today, as we head into a new period for the Senate," he said.

Get the latest news

delivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

"I fought the good fight. If I have ruffled some feathers in doing so, if I have upset the powers that be, then so be it." He did not elaborate.

Senate President Pro Tempore Lorna Regina "Loren" Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito resigned from their respective posts.

Advertisement

Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara resigned as chairman of the committees on finance, youth, and subcommittee on Resolution of Both Houses 6 seeking Charter change.

Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay gave up the chairmanship of the committees on tourism, accounts, and ethics.

Ejercito resigned as chairman of the committees on local government and urban planning.